0
0
Midsize car; Built in USA
  • 2-door convertible
  • 4-door sedan
  • transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $6,900 – $21,500*


2011 Chrysler 200 Front


2011 Chrysler 200 Rear


2011 Chrysler 200 Interior


2011 Chrysler 200 Front-2


2011 Chrysler 200 Rear-2


2011 Chrysler 200 Front-3


2011 Chrysler 200 Interior-2


2011 Chrysler 200 Front-3

Pros:
  • Acceleration
  • Fuel economy
  • Ride
Cons:
  • Cargo room
  • Passenger room

While the 200 might borrow some of its design from the often-panned Sebring, Chrysler made enough changes to this midsize duo, so they might as well be all-new cars. At least with the available V6 engine, the Chrysler 200 is powerful, smooth, and refined. The convertible appeals for its choice of a soft top or the all-weather security of a power-retractable hard top. Passenger and cargo room, especially in the sedan, disappoint when compared with others in this class. Overall, though, 200 is not easily dismissed, especially considering its aggressive pricing when new–which may translate to moderate purchase prices secondhand.

Overview

Launched for 2011, the Chrysler 200 was this brand’s new midsize car. Originally rumored as the Chrysler Nassau, the 200 came as a four-door sedan or a two-door convertible, sharing elements of its basic design with the now-discontinued Chrysler Sebring. Trim levels for the 200 sedan included LX, Touring, Limited, and S. Convertibles came in Touring and Limited form. Standard on all but the S and Limited convertible was a 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. It teamed with a four-speed automatic transmission on the LX, and a six-speed automatic on the Touring and Limited. Optional on both Touring models and the Limited sedan (standard on the S and Limited convertible) was a 283-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 paired with a six-speed automatic. That engine was capable of running on gasoline and/or E85 ethanol-blended fuel.

Standard safety features included all-disc antilock braking, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Leather upholstery was standard on the Limited and S. Heated front seats, a wireless cell-phone link, and 30-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital-music files were standard on Limited and S models and optional for the Touring. A sunroof could be mounted on all but the LX. A navigation system was optional on the Limited. S versions got specific wheels and trim. Touring convertibles had the four-cylinder engine as standard, while the Limited soft-top held the V6 (which was optional for the Touring). All convertibles had a standard power soft top; a power-retractable hard top was optional on the Limited. Chrysler’s 200 sedan competed against the Buick LaCrosse, Ford Taurus, Kia Optima, Toyota Camry, and Honda Accord. Chrysler remained the only mainstream manufacturer to offer a traditional convertible, apart from Volkswagen’s Eos, so competitors had to come from the sporty and premium segments.

Yearly Updates

2012 200
Minor trim changes were the only modifications to the 2012 Chrysler 200. Convertibles got two new body-color choices, plus a new interior color scheme for the Limited model.
2013 200
Chrysler make some trim and equipment revisions to the 200 for 2013. The sport-themed S sedan was discontinued, but much of its equipment gets rolled into the top-line Limited trim. The S convertible remained a part of the lineup. As for the car itself, it received some suspension upgrades designed to improve body control and steering response.
2014 200
There were no major changes to the 2014 Chrysler 200.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

Chrysler’s 200 could be powered by either a four-cylinder or V6 engine. Developing 173 horsepower, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder mated with a four-speed automatic transmission in LX models, or a six-speed automatic in Touring and Limited models. Standard in the 200S and optional for Touring and Limited models, the 3.6-liter V6 produced 283 horsepower, driving a six-speed automatic transmission.

dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.4
Engine HP 173
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 166
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 21/30
dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.4
Engine HP 173
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 166
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 20/31
dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.6
Engine HP 283
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 260
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 19/29

EPA estimate for four-cylinder convertible with six-speed automatic was 18/29 mpg.

Road Test

Only Chrysler 200 models with the V6 engine have been available for testing. With a relatively trim size and class-leading horsepower, these cars accelerate swiftly but don’t overwhelm you, which is a benefit. Instead, power builds smoothly and steadily. Torque steer is well mitigated. The transmission generally works well, though one test car exhibited occasional clunkiness when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear.

Consumer Guide has not yet had an opportunity to measure a 200, but a similar V6-powered Dodge Avenger averaged an impressive 26.7 mpg. Four-cylinder convertibles got lower EPA fuel-economy estimates than sedans. Both engines use regular-grade gas. The V6 can also run on E85 ethanol.

Ride quality is a virtue, helped by the new suspension installed on all 200 models. In conjunction with the Touring’s 17-inch wheels, the ride is commendably smooth. Ride with the Limited’s 18-inch wheels is firmer, but still comfortable. Bump absorption is good. Only sharp pavement breaks cause a shudder in the cabin.

Handling isn’t exceptional, but the Chrysler 200 isn’t a dullard, either. Steering feel is fine, and body control in turns is decent. The brake pedal on one test car had a slightly mushy feel, but it stopped straight and true.

The V6 engine roars (albeit not unpleasantly so) during acceleration, but fades away at cruising speeds. Most other noise sources are well suppressed. A bit of coarse-surface tire thrum is heard, but it’s not loud enough to be annoying. Top up, convertibles have a bit more wind rush at highway speeds, but not enough to be intrusive.

Switchgear on non-navigation cars is old-school Chrysler. Audio and climate controls are mounted high on the dashboard and are easy to operate.

Detail work is a vast improvement over the departed Sebring. Though appearance is a bit bland in mainstream Touring trim, materials quality and fit/finish are very good. The Limited is dressed up with leather seats. Padded surfaces and soft-touch materials, which were non-existent in the Sebring, are abundant in the 200. The only significant letdown is switchgear that some testers felt was a bit cheap, which is not surprising considering that most of it carried over from the 200’s predecessor.

Without the optional sunroof, at least, front headroom is generous. Legroom is fine for the class. Overall dimensions of the 200 are largely unchanged from the Sebring, which means cabin width is more on par with compact cars. Shoulder space is limited for larger occupants. Visibility remains good overall.

As in front, the 200’s Sebring roots hurt in the backseat. Headroom in sedans is adequate, but there’s no excess legroom. Generous foot room helps, though. The narrow cabin rules out three-abreast seating for all but children. Even then, a middle rider has to straddle a hump in the floor, which is odd given that this is a front-wheel-drive car. The convertible’s rear seat holds only two passengers and is sized for teens. Getting into the back requires some twisting, too.

Trunk liftover is better in the 200 than the Sebring, but a short deck limits the cargo area’s utility. Interior storage consists of a decently-sized glovebox and center console. Top up, the convertible’s trunk is nearly as large as the sedan’s. Top down, there should still be enough space for a couple of golf bags.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2011 Chrysler 200 Touring Sedan with V6

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 7
70%
Fuel Economy - 5
50%
Ride Quality - 7
70%
Steering/Handling - 5
50%
Quietness - 7
70%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 5
50%
Room/Comfort Rear - 4
40%
Cargo Room - 3
30%

Other

Value - 6
60%

Total: 55

Specifications

2-door convertible
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
108.9 194.8 72.5 57.9
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
13.1 16.9 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
38.7 37 42.4 33.5
4-door sedan
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
108.9 191.7 72.5 58.4
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
13.6 16.9 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.1 38.4 42.4 36.2
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2012 Chrysler 200 sedan 4-door sedan

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Front Passenger Injury - 4
80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 3
60%
Rear Passenger Injury - 3
60%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Engine knock
Description: Some vehicles’ engine cam phaser oil control valves were improperly tightened when built, and those vehicles’ engines were replaced and shipped directly to auction for sale in the used car market; potential buyers should inquire. (2011)
Oil leak
Description: Oil filter housing may leak oil. (2014)
Audio system
Description: Some audio devices (iPad, iPhone, MP3 players, etc.) may not work or may skip or drop out requiring a software update of the vehicle’s hands free module. (2011)
Audio system
Description: The audio output may become very low or nonexistent requiring a software update to the amplifier. (2011-12)

Recall History

2011 Chrysler 200
Description: Some vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly-installed steering column pivot rivet, which could compromise the ability of the steering column to support occupant loads in a frontal crash.
2011-13 Chrysler 200
Description: Active head restraints might not deploy during a rear collision because of an electrical fault.
2012 Chrysler 200 with 3.6-liter engine
Description: Due to debris inside engine block, engine may experience connecting rod bearing failure with may lead to engine seizure and could increase risk of a crash.
2013 Chrysler 200 with 2.4-liter engine
Description: Due to debris in the balance-shaft bearings, engine may lose oil pressure possibly resulting in stall or engine failure.
2013 Chrysler 200
Description: A faulty control valve in the fuel tank could result in engine stall or fuel leak and fire.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 20, 2016.
Share this:
, , , , ,